Starfield
Starfield

The Empty Nest — Starfield Walkthrough

Advance through the Starfield main quest 'The Empty Nest'. Prepare for artifact searches and confrontations with the Starborn in this walkthrough.

·Multi-source verified (70/70)

The Empty Nest

The Empty Nest is a critical Main Mission in Starfield, focusing on the search for the next Artifact and the subsequent confrontation with the Starborn. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you're prepared for the challenges ahead.

Quest Start and Initial Objectives

This quest begins immediately after completing the previous Main Mission, "All That Money Can Buy." Your initial objective is to speak with Walter Stroud at The Lodge in New Atlantis. He will inform you of a new lead on an Artifact, directing you to the planet Akila. Prepare for a journey into Freestar Collective space.

Journey to Akila City

  1. Travel to Akila System: Open your Starmap and plot a course to the Akila system.
  2. Land at Akila City: Once in the Akila system, select Akila City on the planet Akila and initiate a landing.
  3. Meet Sam Coe: Upon landing, head towards The Coe Estate. You'll find Sam Coe, a potential companion, waiting for you. He will be instrumental in navigating the local politics and locating the Artifact.

Investigating the Coe Estate

Sam Coe will lead you to The Coe Estate. Your primary goal here is to find clues regarding the Artifact's location, which is believed to be hidden within the estate or its immediate vicinity.

  • Speak with Jacob Coe: Sam's father, Jacob Coe, holds vital information. Engage him in conversation. Be prepared for some resistance or reluctance, as Jacob is protective of family secrets.
  • Search Jacob's Office: After speaking with Jacob, you'll gain access to his office. Look for a hidden compartment or a specific item that points to the Artifact. Pay close attention to any notes, journals, or unusual decorations. The key item to find is a Decoded Slate, which details the Artifact's true location.

Locating the Artifact

The Decoded Slate will reveal that the Artifact is not within Akila City itself, but rather in a remote location on Akila. Specifically, it points to the Empty Nest Mine, a derelict mining facility.

  1. Travel to Empty Nest Mine: Exit Akila City and return to your ship. Open your Starmap and select the Empty Nest Mine as your landing zone on Akila.
  2. Approach the Mine Entrance: Upon landing, you'll need to trek a short distance to the mine entrance. Be wary of local fauna, which can be aggressive.

Navigating the Empty Nest Mine

The Empty Nest Mine is a dangerous location, filled with environmental hazards and hostile entities. Ensure your weapons and health packs are stocked.

  • Clear Hostiles: The mine is infested with various creatures, primarily Ashta. These creatures are fast and can deal significant damage. Utilize cover and aim for critical spots.
  • Environmental Puzzles: You may encounter collapsed sections or locked doors. Look for alternative routes, ventilation shafts, or control panels to bypass obstacles. A common puzzle involves rerouting power to open a specific door.
  • Retrieve the Artifact: Deep within the mine, you will find the Artifact. It will be glowing and easily identifiable. Interact with it to add it to your collection.

Confrontation with the Starborn

As soon as you acquire the Artifact, the Starborn will appear. This encounter is unavoidable and will be a significant combat challenge.

  • Starborn Encounter: A group of Starborn will materialize, determined to take the Artifact from you. They are formidable foes with unique abilities, including teleportation and energy attacks.
  • Combat Strategy: Focus fire on one Starborn at a time. Utilize your companion's abilities and any environmental advantages. Grenades or area-of-effect weapons can be highly effective against clustered enemies. Keep moving and use med packs as needed.
  • Looting the Starborn: After defeating the Starborn, remember to loot their bodies. They often carry valuable resources, rare weapons, and unique Starborn armor pieces.

Return to The Lodge

Once the Starborn are dealt with and the Artifact is secured, your final objective is to return to The Lodge in New Atlantis to report your findings to Constellation.

  1. Fast Travel to The Lodge: Open your Starmap and fast travel directly to The Lodge.
  2. Debrief Constellation: Speak with Sarah Morgan, Walter Stroud, and the other members of Constellation. Present the Artifact and recount your encounter with the Starborn. This will conclude "The Empty Nest" and trigger the next Main Mission.